Sacha Black's Blog, page 9
February 27, 2024
231 Kickstarter for Authors with Anthea Sharp
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 231 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Anthea Sharp all about Kickstarter for authors.
In this episode we cover:
What is Kickstarter?Incorporating Kickstarter into your business modelCommon mistakes with KickstarterDriving traffic to your Kickstarter pageRewards, add ons, and stretch goalsThe timeline – set up, marketing, fulfillmentLinks I mentioned:
Kickstarter: Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance Hardcover – House of Crimson Hearts
Order House of Crimson Hearts
Order House of Crimson Hearts direct from me
Find out more about Anthea:
Kickstarter for Authors (special price with this link)
Rebel of the Week is: Chris
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
No new patrons this week, but a big thank you to my existing patrons. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
The post 231 Kickstarter for Authors with Anthea Sharp appeared first on Sacha Black.
February 20, 2024
230 Writing Queer Romance with Dana Hawkins
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 230 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Dana Hawkins all about writing queer romance.
In this episode we cover:
What is queer joyElements of the opposites attract tropeWorldbuilding for contemporary romanceWriting relatable charactersThe importance of author communityLinks I mentioned:
Kickstarter: Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance Hardcover – House of Crimson Hearts
Preorder House of Crimson Hearts
Preorder House of Crimson Hearts direct from me
Find out more about Dana:
Rebel of the Week is: Jasmine Arch
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to J and Kristina Adams, and thank you to Cassi Emerson for upping their pledge. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid
The post 230 Writing Queer Romance with Dana Hawkins appeared first on Sacha Black.
February 19, 2024
Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance Kickstarter
In case you missed it… I am running my first ever Kickstarter campaign for my brand new, super spicy, lesbian vampire romance book: House of Crimson Hearts. If you’re the kind of gal who loved Damon Salvatore, drooled over True Blood and sighed over Anne Rice, but always felt there was something missing… like more boobs and women loving women, then this signed, limited edition hardback is for you.
Photography by Kate Hennessy AuthorWhy This Project?I am a queer woman loving woman who married her university sweet heart. I’m also a rabid bookworm who adores fantasy and romance. I love shiny, pretty books.
But I have a problem, I can only ever find those beautiful special edition books for straight people with straight romance and straight Not Safe For Work (NSFW) art in them. And that just isn’t fair.
That’s one of the main reasons I started writing queer romance, and it’s entirely the reason I’m running this Kickstarter. Because I want a special edition, beautiful book with sexy lesbian art in it, that’s full of spicy scenes, stunning character art and foiled pages!
So if you’re a queer person, or even an ally who loves to support the LGBTQIA+ community, then you’re in the right place.
Image credit: Kate Hennessy PhotographyHow Does Kickstarter Work?Kickstarter is a crowd funding platform. Essentially you pledge a certain amount of money for a “Tier”. Within that tier you get a set of goodies. Including things like signed books, character art and more.
When the campaign reaches certain funding stretch goals, you unlock even more goodies that are included as part of your original pledge.
What’s included in the special edition?The Book
The book has a Kickstarter only cover, the blood drips off the roses instead of the title—like it does on the standard edition. It’s also holographically foiled. The foil is rainbow coloured and shimmers rainbow in the light. The front, back and spine are foiled along with the case laminate (the hard cardboard cover under the jacket) too (front and back). The book has head and tail bands in branded vampire black and red and because we hit funding, it will have a matching black ribbon too. What’s more, each book is hand signed and numbered by me. Inside the book is a beautiful map and there will be colour NSFW art of the spicy scenes.
Photo Credit: Kate Hennessy PhotographyThe Book Box
In the book boxes (depending on the tier) you’ll get things like:
Character stickersBookmarkNSFW art printsMap printPlaylist printKinky list printVibrator (yes, you read that right).For me this is all about creating an experience for you while reading, and I write smut… so… vibrators.
And as a sneak peek you can see one of the NSFW art works pieces below.
No Kickstarter would be complete without stretch goals, so when we you certain funding goals you get more bonus goodies at no extra cost. For me, this includes:
Three extra, brand new bonus spicy scenesThose bonus spicy scenes narrated by me in audioExtra NSFW art in the bookArt prints of the NSFW scenesAn evening in conversation with Ruby!I’ve never been so proud of a book I’ve created and you really do not want to miss this Kickstarter because it is limited edition. You will not be able to buy this cover or version of the book with all the art inside it anywhere. Nor will the standard editions include any of the art (save the map).
Photo Credit: Kate Hennessy AuthorThe post Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance Kickstarter appeared first on Sacha Black.
February 13, 2024
229 Why Running Your Author Business is Child’s Play with Jo Watson
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 229 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Jo Watson all about running an author business, writing nonfiction, and tips for improving your copywriting.
In this episode we cover:
How running a business is like being a parentWhy write a nonfiction book?Staying resilient while running a businessTips for writing humorouslyImproving your copywritingLinks I mentioned:
Kickstarter: Special Edition NSFW Lesbian Vampire Romance Hardcover – House of Crimson Hearts
Preorder House of Crimson Hearts
Preorder House of Crimson Hearts direct from me
Find out more about Jo:
TOT ANALYSIS: Why Running Your Business is Child’s Play
Rebel of the Week is: Eden
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
Thank you to new patron Drew Constance and returning patron Sarah Louise. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE
Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.
The post 229 Why Running Your Author Business is Child’s Play with Jo Watson appeared first on Sacha Black.
February 6, 2024
228 Publishing Predictions for 2024 and Beyond with Clayton Noblit
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 228 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Clayton Noblit all about publishing predictions for indie authors in 2024.
In this episode we cover:
Highlights from Written Word Media’s 2023 author surveyIndie author business structuresWhat is meant by MVP booksCommunity building and author brandingAI predictions and how it affects authorsMaking your business more sustainableProse in the Market Webinar Information:
I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I can (more on this below).
“Writing to market” isn’t new. But when teachers talk about it they focus on understanding the market, advertising, brand and pitch. But what about the writing and craft of writing to market? If you’re tired of trying to work out how to deliver what readers want, then this is the workshop for you.
In this session, I’ll explain:
How to deconstruct bestselling books and implement the tools you findAn easy three step methodology for deconstructionPractical examples of deconstruction and implementation in your own workWhy you’re not using copywriting enoughHow to intentionally slip TikTok-able/Marketable scenes into your novels that will hook readersThe craft of tropesLive deconstruction using examples from those in the session.You’ll also receive a workbook containing exercises for you to implement all the things you learn during the session.
Session Times and Dates
Friday 9th Feb 2024 at 7pm BST (11am PST, 2pm EST, and 8am Sat 9th Auckland (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770172856747?aff=oddtdtcreator Saturday 10th Feb 4pm BST (8am PST, 11am EST, 5am Sunday11th (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770175976077?aff=oddtdtcreator Saturday 10th Feb 8pm BST (12pm PST, 3pm EST, 9am Sunday 11th (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770177631027?aff=oddtdtcreatorFAQ
Will this session be recorded? Will the recording be available for sale?
The session will be recorded. The recording will only be available to ticket-holders. I will not sell the recording. I am only doing these as live sessions. When I teach, I love to see everyone’s reactions and get audience participation. But depending on demand, I may run more of them in the future.
Find out more about Clayton:
Rebel of the Week is: Beth
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Jesse Read. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
This Show is Sponsored by ProWritingAid
The post 228 Publishing Predictions for 2024 and Beyond with Clayton Noblit appeared first on Sacha Black.
Prose in the Market Webinar – TIME LIMITED
“Writing to market” isn’t new. But when teachers talk about it they focus on understanding the market, advertising, brand and pitch. But what about the writing and craft of writing to market? If you’re tired of trying to work out how to deliver what readers want, then this is the workshop for you.
[TIME LIMITED] This is your friendly reminder that the webinars are this week, if you’ve been wondering whether to join, now is the time. Remember this will not be for sale after the session.
Announcing my first ever LIVE webinar. Come and join me for a two hour workshop (and 30 mins Q&A). There is going to be much nerding out about all things craft, prose, hooks, and delivering a product that readers want.
Do you look on wistfully at those authors going viral on TikTok and instagram? The authors hitting the top charts and wondering how the hell they’re doing it? This workshop is for you.
Prose in the Market Webinar Information:I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I can (more on this below). Each of the three workshops will be the same, you only need to attend one.
In this session, I’ll explain:
How to deconstruct bestselling books and implement the tools you find in your own workAn easy three step methodology for deconstructionPractical examples of deconstruction and implementation in your own workWhy you’re not using copywriting enoughHow to intentionally slip TikTok-able/Marketable scenes into your novels that will hook readersExamples of viral hooks that work on social media (and why)What’s in a hook and how you can create your ownThe craft of tropesLive deconstruction using examples from those in the sessionYou’ll also receive a workbook containing exercises for you to implement all the things you learn during the session.
And best of all, there’s a thirty minute question and answer session at the end where you can ask me anything you like. If you can’t make it but still want the class, grab a ticket and email me the questions in advance and I’ll be sure to answer them during the session.
Session Times and Dates:
Friday 9th Feb 2024 at 7pm BST (11am PST, 2pm EST, and 8am Sat 9th Auckland (DST NZDT) sign up here.Saturday 10th Feb 4pm BST (8am PST, 11am EST, 5am Sunday 11th (DST NZDT) sign up here.Saturday 10th Feb 8pm BST (12pm PST, 3pm EST, 9am Sunday 11th (DST NZDT) sign up here.FAQWill this session be recorded? Will the recording be available for sale?
The session will be recorded. The recording will only be available to ticket-holders. I will not sell the recording. I am only doing these as live sessions. When I teach, I love to see everyone’s reactions and get audience participation. But depending on demand, I may run more of them in the future.
Why are there so many sessions? Do I need to attend all three?
No you don’t. Pick one session and attend that. The sessions are all the same. I’m doing this to make sure that people in different time zones get the chance to attend.
You said there are limited tickets, what happens if they sell out? Can I still attend?
Er… no. Tickets are limited and once they’re gone they’re gone.
Yes absolutely, there will be time for questions at the end, but you can ask them throughout too.
The post Prose in the Market Webinar – TIME LIMITED appeared first on Sacha Black.
January 31, 2024
The Black Herron: Episode 17
Hello Rebels and welcome to fireside chat number seventeen between Rachael Herron and I.
This is The Black Herron Episode seventeen. Don’t forget, Patrons get early access to these episode an entire month early and then we air them on the podcast feeds the following month. If you’d like to hear them early you can join me on Patreon from as little as $2 right here.
To find out more about Rachael, you can listen to her show “How Do You Write” or visit her website.
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If you haven’t read The Anatomy of a Best Seller, what are you waiting for? Grab my latest craft book and start deconstructing so you can write your own best seller today.
The post The Black Herron: Episode 17 appeared first on Sacha Black.
January 30, 2024
227 Author Planning 2024 with Audrey Hughey
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 227 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Audrey Hughey all about author planning in 2024.
In this episode we cover:
Important elements of author planningOverwhelm (both caused and relieved by planning)Goal setting and organizingPlanning tips for parents and carersCreating and printing plannersProse in the Market Webinar Information:
I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I can (more on this below).
“Writing to market” isn’t new. But when teachers talk about it they focus on understanding the market, advertising, brand and pitch. But what about the writing and craft of writing to market? If you’re tired of trying to work out how to deliver what readers want, then this is the workshop for you.
In this session, I’ll explain:
How to deconstruct bestselling books and implement the tools you findAn easy three step methodology for deconstructionPractical examples of deconstruction and implementation in your own workWhy you’re not using copywriting enoughHow to intentionally slip TikTok-able/Marketable scenes into your novels that will hook readersExamples of viral hooks that work on social media (and why)What’s in a hook and how you can create your ownThe craft of tropesLive deconstruction using examples from those in the session.You’ll also receive a workbook containing exercises for you to implement all the things you learn during the session.
Session Times and Dates
Friday 9th Feb 2024 at 7pm BST (11am PST, 2pm EST, and 8am Sat 9th Auckland (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770172856747?aff=oddtdtcreator Saturday 10th Feb 4pm BST (8am PST, 11am EST, 5am Sunday11th (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770175976077?aff=oddtdtcreator Saturday 10th Feb 8pm BST (12pm PST, 3pm EST, 9am Sunday 11th (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770177631027?aff=oddtdtcreatorFAQ
Will this session be recorded? Will the recording be available for sale?
The session will be recorded. The recording will only be available to ticket-holders. I will not sell the recording. I am only doing these as live sessions. When I teach, I love to see everyone’s reactions and get audience participation. But depending on demand, I may run more of them in the future.
Find out more about Audrey:
Rebel of the Week is: Joanne
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
1 new patron this week, welcome and thank you to Camilla Vavruch. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY KOBO WRITING LIFE
Visit Kobo Writing Life here, read the Kobo Writing Life blog here, and listen to their podcast here.
The post 227 Author Planning 2024 with Audrey Hughey appeared first on Sacha Black.
January 23, 2024
226 How To Write Horror with Jesse D’Angelo
Hello Rebels, welcome to episode 226 of The Rebel Author Podcast. Today, I’m talking to Jesse D’Angelo all about writing horror.
In this episode we cover:
Common tropes of the horror genreLessons learned from acting in and directing horror filmsThe major pillars of horror writingCraft tips for eliciting a fear emotion responseMarketing advice for horror writersProse in the Market Webinar Information:
I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I can (more on this below).
“Writing to market” isn’t new. But when teachers talk about it they focus on understanding the market, advertising, brand and pitch. But what about the writing and craft of writing to market? If you’re tired of trying to work out how to deliver what readers want, then this is the workshop for you.
In this session, I’ll explain:
How to deconstruct bestselling books and implement the tools you findAn easy three step methodology for deconstructionPractical examples of deconstruction and implementation in your own workWhy you’re not using copywriting enoughHow to intentionally slip TikTok-able/Marketable scenes into your novels that will hook readersThe craft of tropesLive deconstruction using examples from those in the session.You’ll also receive a workbook containing exercises for you to implement all the things you learn during the session.
Session Times and Dates
Friday 9th Feb 2024 at 7pm BST (11am PST, 2pm EST, and 8am Sat 9th Auckland (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770172856747?aff=oddtdtcreator Saturday 10th Feb 4pm BST (8am PST, 11am EST, 5am Sunday11th (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770175976077?aff=oddtdtcreator Saturday 10th Feb 8pm BST (12pm PST, 3pm EST, 9am Sunday 11th (DST NZDT) https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/770177631027?aff=oddtdtcreatorFAQ
Will this session be recorded? Will the recording be available for sale?
The session will be recorded. The recording will only be available to ticket-holders. I will not sell the recording. I am only doing these as live sessions. When I teach, I love to see everyone’s reactions and get audience participation. But depending on demand, I may run more of them in the future.
Find out more about Jesse:
Rebel of the Week is: Laura
If you’d like to be a Rebel of the week please do send in your story, it can be any kind of rebellion. You can email your rebel story to rebelauthorpodcast@gmail.com
2 new patrons this week, welcome and thank you to Tammy Tyree and Jenn. A big thank you to my existing patrons as well. If you’d like to support the show, and get early access to all the episodes as well as bonus content you can from as little as $2 a month by visiting: www.patreon.com/sachablack
The post 226 How To Write Horror with Jesse D’Angelo appeared first on Sacha Black.
January 22, 2024
Prose in the Market Webinar
“Writing to market” isn’t new. But when teachers talk about it they focus on understanding the market, advertising, brand and pitch. But what about the writing and craft of writing to market? If you’re tired of trying to work out how to deliver what readers want, then this is the workshop for you.
Announcing my first ever LIVE webinar. Come and join me for a two hour workshop (and 30 mins Q&A). There is going to be much nerding out about all things craft, prose, hooks, and delivering a product that readers want.
Do you look on wistfully at those authors going viral on TikTok and instagram? The authors hitting the top charts and wondering how the hell they’re doing it? This workshop is for you.
Prose in the Market Webinar Information:I am running three session times to try and accommodate as many timezones as I can (more on this below). Each of the three workshops will be the same, you only need to attend one.
In this session, I’ll explain:
How to deconstruct bestselling books and implement the tools you find in your own workAn easy three step methodology for deconstructionPractical examples of deconstruction and implementation in your own workWhy you’re not using copywriting enoughHow to intentionally slip TikTok-able/Marketable scenes into your novels that will hook readersExamples of viral hooks that work on social media (and why)What’s in a hook and how you can create your ownThe craft of tropesLive deconstruction using examples from those in the sessionYou’ll also receive a workbook containing exercises for you to implement all the things you learn during the session.
And best of all, there’s a thirty minute question and answer session at the end where you can ask me anything you like. If you can’t make it but still want the class, grab a ticket and email me the questions in advance and I’ll be sure to answer them during the session.
Session Times and Dates:
Friday 9th Feb 2024 at 7pm BST (11am PST, 2pm EST, and 8am Sat 9th Auckland (DST NZDT) sign up here.Saturday 10th Feb 4pm BST (8am PST, 11am EST, 5am Sunday 11th (DST NZDT) sign up here.Saturday 10th Feb 8pm BST (12pm PST, 3pm EST, 9am Sunday 11th (DST NZDT) sign up here.FAQWill this session be recorded? Will the recording be available for sale?
The session will be recorded. The recording will only be available to ticket-holders. I will not sell the recording. I am only doing these as live sessions. When I teach, I love to see everyone’s reactions and get audience participation. But depending on demand, I may run more of them in the future.
Why are there so many sessions? Do I need to attend all three?
No you don’t. Pick one session and attend that. The sessions are all the same. I’m doing this to make sure that people in different time zones get the chance to attend.
You said there are limited tickets, what happens if they sell out? Can I still attend?
Er… no. Tickets are limited and once they’re gone they’re gone.
Yes absolutely, there will be time for questions at the end, but you can ask them throughout too.
The post Prose in the Market Webinar appeared first on Sacha Black.
